Seeking Second Opinions: Do You Need One?

Have you sought out a second opinion? Perhaps even a third, or fourth?

Living with stage 4 metastatic breast cancer means there is no stage 5. Our treatments are what keep us alive, and it's crucial they are working.

That is why I decided to seek out a second opinion with Dr. Linda V at Memorial Sloan-Kettering in New York.

My second opinion doctor

I chose Dr. V because she specializes in metastatic triple-negative breast cancer. I suggest finding a doctor who understands your particular subtype when seeking a second opinion.

That way, they can recommend the best and newest treatments for you.

Dr. V also had my blood drawn and placed into the MSK (Memorial Sloan-Kettering) Impact System. This is a database that will notify me of any new trials or drugs that might work for me.

Why your doctor should work with other specialists?

Even though my second opinion specialist is New York-based, my oncologist here in Colorado also consults with her, which is wonderful.

If your oncologist has too much of an ego to consult with outside physicians, you may even consider a new oncologist. For me, I have a team. They need to work together on my behalf!

When it's time to change treatments, I like how they communicate together.

Sometimes, Dr. V recommends adding something else to my treatment plan, but she and my oncologist usually have the same ideas.

A second set of eyes

Nevertheless, it is comforting to know a fresh set of eyes are looking at me, even virtually, potentially with a new idea that might keep me alive. That in and of itself is totally worth the effort of seeking out a second opinion!

Have you sought out a second opinion? Please share your experience with our ABC family!

Editor’s Note: We are extremely saddened to share that on Friday, October 29, 2021, Danielle Thurston passed away. We know that Danielle’s voice and perspective continue to reach so many. She will be deeply missed.